FORT KNOX, Ky. – Colonel Steven Egan relinquished command of the 83rd United States Army Reserve Readiness Training Center (ARRTC) to Col. Joseph L. Thomas Jr. during a change of command ceremony at Waybur Theater on June 29.
100th Training Division (Leader Development) Commander Brig. Gen. Steven McLaughlin officiated the event, and discussed the impact that Egan had during his tenure.
“Duty, honor, and Country. Gen. MacArthur said, three hollowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, and what you will be” said Brig. Gen. McLaughlin. “Steve [Col. Egan] carried these tenants throughout his tenure. His innovative leadership resulted in world-class training, education, and professional development of more than 20,000 personnel to include Soldiers from all three components, our sister services, and Department of the Army Civilians.”
McLaughlin said Thomas brings a sound base experiences and high standards that will serve him well as a brigade commander and that he has his full support.
“I leave you with some simple guidance. Build upon the legacy of your predecessors, execute your mission to the best of your ability, bring a spirit of optimism and always display a sense of empathy. Quite simply, just lead.”
During his final address to the Thunderbolt Brigade, Egan took the time to thank the many Soldiers and Civilians that he led during his time with the 83rd U.S. ARRTC. He offered his deep gratitude for his Soldiers, Civilians, and their Families.
“Allow your Soldiers to be great, and they will amaze you with their excellence,” said Egan. “You all have done that and you have all followed the mantra of treating everyone with dignity and respect. The Army is a team sport, and this unit is no different. You all made this team succeed beyond anything I could have imagined.”
Following his assignment here, Egan will serve as the United States Army Reserve Command G-34 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Thomas, who comes to the 83rd U.S. ARRTC from 9th Mission Support Command in Honolulu, Hawaii, thanked Egan and his wife, Danielle, for their support and leadership during their time with Thunderbolts. He thanked his new team for their warm welcome and outstanding support during the transition. Thomas also took a moment to express how grateful he was to make his way back to Kentucky.
“Not only do I get the opportunity to command an elite brigade level organization in an awesome Army community,” said Thomas. “But as you might have guessed by now with the turnout and support, we are also just down the road from our family in Louisville.
Thomas is a native of Louisville, Kentucky and has served in the Army since he was commissioned in 1997.
The full ceremony can be viewed at https://fb.watch/6txCiVBX0L/
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